From education to employment

Government plans 50 UTCs by 2016

The government has approved six more University Technical Colleges in a move that will bring the total number operating across the country to 50 by 2016.

Two of the training hubs for technicians and engineers were given the go-ahead in London, with the others located in Bolton, Peterborough, Scunthorpe and Warrington.

In 2015/2016 the UTCs will be capable for taking on around 300,000 students. Currently only 17 are open, with a further 15 due to open their doors this September.

Lord Baker, chairman of the Baker Dearing Educational Trust, which has been working to establish a network of the colleges for six years, said: “I am delighted that UTCs enjoy all-party support and that the Coalition continues to back them.

“Several applications were very close to approval and the Department has said that they will provide additional support for their reapplications before the next deadline.”

There will be a further application round later this year with a closing date of 9 May 2014 for UTCs to open in 2016.

Natalie Thornhill

(Pictured: BDT chairman Lord Baker)


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